
Just flash MyKad to use RM100 Sara aid at selected stores, says Finance Ministry
PUTRAJAYA (July 24): Malaysians eligible for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme can use the one-off RM100 aid by simply presenting their MyKad at selected retail stores nationwide, the Finance Ministry clarified today.
Following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement yesterday, the ministry said the RM100 credit – available from August 31 – can be used as a cashless payment method at over 4,100 participating outlets, including major chains such as Giant, Mydin and HeroMarket, as well as smaller neighbourhood stores.
'No application is required – just show your MyKad at the counter to use the Sara credit,' the ministry said in a social media update.
The credit covers 14 categories of essential items, amounting to 90,000 products, such as rice, cooking oil, diapers, paracetamol, stationery and bath soap.
Unused credit does not expire immediately and can be used until December 31, offering beneficiaries flexibility in managing their expenses.
The Finance Ministry reiterated that every Malaysian aged 18 and above will receive a one-off aid.
It then said the government will announce further details on Sara's implementation in the coming weeks. – Malay Mail
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Express
16 minutes ago
- Daily Express
470 Sabah supermarts, stores: Sara recipients can use MyKad to buy
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Armizan presents the grand prize of a motorcycle to the lucky winner at the event. RANAU: A total of 470 supermarket and grocery premises in Sabah are now part of the 4,152 nationwide outlets where Sara recipients can use their MyKad to purchase basic necessities. Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that apart from purchases at existing fixed premises, KPDN proposed that Sara assistance could also be used for purchases at the Mobile PJRM in the future. This initiative, he said, allows Sara recipients, especially in rural and inland areas, to make purchases using the SARA assistance provided in the MyKad at the mobile PJRM locations. According to him, for the state of Sabah, until July 2025, a total of RM410 million has been disbursed to 830,000 STR recipients. He added that RM500 million has also been disbursed to 506,000 Sara recipients. Armizan, who is also the Member of Parliament for Papar, said this while officiating the KPDN Carnival Tour Program 2025 and the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign for the Sabah Zone held at the Ranau Sports Complex on Saturday. The KPDN continues to organize the KPDN Carnival Tour Program and the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign Series 2 for the 2025 Sabah Zone in Ranau. The 3-day program from 25 to 27 July 2025 is expected to attract 60 thousand visitors. The main objective of the organization is to popularize government services at the grassroots, especially services under the responsibility and functionality of the KPDN. The KPDN Carnival 2025 also serves as a catalyst in strengthening the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM) 2025 through the theme 'Let's Buy Local' as continuous support for local products and strengthening the domestic economy. Armizan added that this campaign is a strategic step to strengthen domestic economic growth while helping entrepreneurs and local micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS) in expanding their market network. 'At the same time, this initiative provides space to highlight the quality of local products which can be the main choice and thus reduce dependence on imported goods. 'Additional Allocation for the Rahmah Madani Umbrella Initiative KPDN welcomes the additional allocation for the Rahmah Madani Sales Program (PJRM) of RM300 million announced by Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister on July 23, 2025. 'Through this additional allocation, KPDN will increase the frequency of PJRM implementation nationwide with a target of 20 thousand series of PJRM implementation throughout 2025,' he said. For the state of Sabah, Armizan said that KPDN is targeting 2,276 series of PJRM throughout this year. Starting from 1 January to 26 July 2025, a total of 1,089 series of PJRMs have been implemented in Sabah. Expansion of Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara) for All KPDN also welcomes and appreciates the initiatives and efforts focused on the well-being of the people through the additional allocation of Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara) from RM13 billion to RM15 billion for this year. This additional RM2 billion is for a one-off Sara assistance of RM100 to all Malaysians aged 18 and above. At the same time, he said, KPDN will collaborate with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to expand access for Sara recipients to purchase basic necessities. Meanwhile, about 60,000 visitors flocked to the 2025 KPDN Carnival Sabah Zone KBBM held over three days starting on Friday (July 25-27) at the Ranau Sports Complex (free admission). KPDN Business Development Division Director Adiratno Che Ani said the target is also to chalk RM250,000 in sales value through the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM). 'A total of 60 entrepreneurs from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia are present to market various products,including handicrafts, food and beauty products. All products are of good quality and comparable to foreign goods. 'Based on the response since this morning, I am confident the sales target of RM250,000 can be achieved when this programme ends on Sunday,' he said at the Ranau Sports Complex. He said the KBBM themed 'Jom Beli Lokal' (Buy Malaysian Goods), is also a platform for local entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS) to expand their marketing network to boost the domestic economy. Various interesting activities at booths provided include Arm-Wrestling, KPDN Little Stars Bintang Lokal (two karaoke contests with prize-money) colouring contest, the Mobile Legends E-Sports Sara Hidup/Living Costs competition (RM3,000 in prizes), the Cost of Living Expedition based on a fact-finding concept and a concert billed as The Band Showdown which features music as a medium for the cost of living message. The big attraction is a Lucky Draw offering grand prizes of a Perodua Alza 1.5L (H), Proton S70 1.5T Premium and a Modenas Karisma EX 125 motorcycle. Also present at the event were Ranau Member of Parliament Datuk Jonathan Yasin, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Abidin Madingkir and others. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


The Sun
30 minutes ago
- The Sun
insureKU partners global insurers to offer solutions tailored for today's tech-savvy consumers
KUALA LUMPUR: Today's consumers demand greater control over their choices, and nowhere is this more evident than in the insurance sector. As digital adoption accelerates and expectations evolve, Malaysians – particularly younger, tech-savvy individuals – are increasingly seeking insurance solutions that offer speed, transparency and effortless access. Recent findings from the Malaysia Insurance and Takaful Customer Satisfaction Survey indicate a growing preference for online channels among customers when purchasing insurance or takaful products. This shift highlights a broader trend, that convenience and instant accessibility are now key factors influencing how Malaysians select essential services. 'At insureKU, we have designed our platform to support this shift by offering side-by-side comparisons, real-time pricing, and instant coverage – all in one place. 'But beyond the purchase, we are also focused on building intuitive, responsive post-sale support to ensure users feel secure and informed throughout their insurance journey,' insureKU's co-founder and CEO Shadhana Sekaran told SunBiz. She said collaborations with global insurers are also changing the way Malaysians discover, compare and buy insurance through digital platforms. 'At insureKU, our partnerships with global insurers are making insurance more straightforward and more transparent for Malaysians. Users can now easily compare travel insurance with real-time quotes and instant coverage, all from their mobile devices. 'We are proud to work with digital-first partners like Tokio Marine, Tune Protect and Generali, and travel insurance is just the start – motor insurance and more products are on the way, all designed for today's mobile-savvy consumers seeking speed, clarity, and confidence online.' Shadhana said partnering with globally recognised insurers significantly strengthens insureKU's value and brand proposition. She pointed out that these industry leaders bring decades of expertise, financial stability and proven track records for delivering high-quality insurance solutions. 'Their involvement enhances our platform's credibility and builds trust, particularly among first-time insurance buyers who may be new to the process. 'These collaborations also enable us to offer a broader range of robust, compliant products, and to co-develop digital-first solutions tailored to local needs, while benefiting from global best practices in risk management and customer service,' Shadhana said. When asked how insureKu is tailoring products and services to meet the needs of younger, digitally savvy Malaysians, she said insureKU designs every feature with the digital-native generation in mind, recognising that younger Malaysians expect speed, clarity and convenience. As a result, the platform offers a fully digital experience where users can compare, customise and purchase policies within minutes. 'Our platform offers real-time price comparisons, clear policy explanations and instant policy issuance. We are also continually improving the experience with features such as financial planning calculators and multilingual support, making insurance more accessible and inclusive. 'As one of the earliest authorised participants in Bank Negara Malaysia's Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox, we further reinforce our credibility as a safe and compliant digital platform, giving users, especially first-time buyers, greater peace of mind when choosing and purchasing insurance online,' Shadhana said. Explaining how artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are shaping the future of insurance distribution and customer engagement in Malaysia, Shadhana said these technologies are set to play a big role in how insurers serve customers in Malaysia. 'At insureKU, we see this as a significant opportunity to raise the bar for customer service in the industry. 'We are still early in our journey, but the potential is clear. AI can simplify customer interactions – answering questions instantly, clarifying policy details, and guiding users through claims – while data analytics helps us continually improve support based on real user behaviour. 'Our goal is to deliver a highly personalised, intuitive service from quote to claim. As more insurers adopt digital-first models, we are excited to help make insurance more accessible and truly customer-friendly,' said Shadhana. She pointed out that industry projections from GlobalData suggest that Malaysia's general insurance market will expand steadily over the next few years, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% and reaching RM31.8 billion in gross written premiums by 2029. This growth is being driven not only by rising consumer awareness and evolving lifestyles but also by ongoing regulatory efforts to broaden insurance coverage and develop the overall market. Explaining how insureKU plans to increase insurance adoption among first-time buyers and underserved market segments in the next three to five years, Shadhana said the company's partnership with global insurers is designed to support this national agenda by creating inclusive, needs-based insurance solutions. 'Through digital channels, flexible pricing, and simplified product structures, we aim to reach first-time buyers and underserved communities who have traditionally faced barriers to access. By doing so, we help lay the foundation for a more resilient, better-protected population in the years to come. 'We want to close the protection gap, especially among groups like students, gig workers, and low-to-middle-income earners. We're doing this by making insurance easy to understand, affordable, and accessible on mobile devices,' she said.

Barnama
33 minutes ago
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 28, 2025
Indonesia has welcomed France's recognition of a Palestinian state, while reaffirming its support for a two-state solution to end the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine. Indonesian men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri claimed the 2025 China Open title on Sunday after defeating second-seeded Malaysians Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in straight sets. WARMING UP RELATIONS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos and Cambodia will deepen their Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership by expanding cooperation in trade, security, education, energy and transport sectors. They will also cooperate in defence and security, maintaining peace along their borders and tackle transnational threats. VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN LAOS -- VIENTIANE TIMES The launching of the China-Laos New Energy Vehicle Testing and Training Centre in Vientiane will promote vocational education for Loa youth. The centre will offer industry-related education, mainly in new energy vehicle technologies. MYANMAR MANGROVE NOW PROTECTED ZONE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government has designated a mangrove forest area in Sinku Island as a protected zone. It will ensure the long-term sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem, preserve biodiversity and reduce the impacts of coastal erosion and storms. INMATES PASS MATRICULATION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission said 16 inmates passed their matriculation exams held in March. Ten students were from Insein Central Prison and six from Mandalay Central Prison. The results were announced on July 27. SINGAPORE FEASIBLE FOR S'PORE TO AVOID NET‑ZERO; ALL OPTIONS TO CUT ENERGY EMISSIONS ON TABLE: TAN SEE LENG -- THE STRAITS TIMES It is no longer feasible nor practical for Singapore to avoid working towards a net-zero future, said Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology. FURNITURE BUYERS TURN TO SHOPEE AND TAOBAO, LOCAL BRANDS STRUGGLE TO COMPETE -- CNA When first-time home owners Nurasheila Abdul Razak and Syakir Sabirin were searching for furniture to match the Japanese wabi-sabi theme they had in mind for their new flat, time was in short supply. THAILAND 1. PUBLIC WARNED OVER FAKE DONATION DRIVES FOR BORDER TROOPS -- THE NATION Govt warns against fake online campaigns claiming to raise funds for border troops; real support should go via official army units and DDPM channels. 2. MORE HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, COMMUNITIES IN BURI RAM EVACUATED AS SHELLS HIT FARTHER FROM BORDER -- BANGKOK POST BURI RAM: More communities, schools and hospitals were evacuated in this northeastern province of Thailand as shells hit farther from the border with Cambodia. VIETNAM MATERIALS SHORTAGE STIFLE DEVELOPMENT -- VIETNAM NEWS Major infrastructure projects across Ho Chi Minh City are facing a shortage of construction materials due to the high demand. There is a growing demand for crushed stones, sand and land-filling soil. EXPANDS INTO INDIAN EV MARKET -- VIETNAMPLUS VinFast Auto India - a subsidiary of Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast — inaugurated its first showroom in Surat, Gujarat. The automaker plans to establish an RM8 billion (US$2 billion) manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu, southern India, this August. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial